The RFL have signed an historic commercial partnership with Coral to include both the men’s and women’s Challenge Cups in a two-year, seven-figure deal - and also reached agreement with Catalans Dragons meaning the holders will defend the trophy this season after all.

This Christmas, Yorkshire Racecourse Wetherby, Catterick and Doncaster are offering a range of festive and fun-filled family days out, with under 18s going completely free of charge, in a campaign fronted by TV personality and author, David Walliams.

SOME people may have wondered if England had much chance against New Zealand when their record try-scorer Ryan Hall was, like so many leading players, ruled out of this series due to major knee surgery in August.

SAM TOMKINS at scrum-half is the surprise pick in Wayne Bennett’s England side for the first Test against New Zealand tomorrow with St Helens centre Mark Percival a shock omission and Oliver Gildart debuting.

England head coach Wayne Bennett has included Leeds Rhinos’ Richie Myler and Sam Tomkins in his 19-man squad for the first Test with New Zealand - but left out Stefan Ratchford and a trio of Yorkshire-based players.